By Alara Shannon, Marketing | April 01, 2013 ( Comments)
When to tip, where to tip and just how much to tip is a common concern for travelers in Europe, as no one wants to offend by either tipping too much or too little for services.
Tipping in European countries is different than what we are used to in the United States and Canada, it is almost always at your discretion and varies between countries.
For example, you may visit both Germany and the Netherlands on a Northern Europe Cruise but their etiquette for tipping is slightly different.
How to Tip in Germany
In Germany, a service charge is usually included in your restaurant bill. Leaving a 5-10% tip, or “Trinkgeld” (‘drinking money’), in addition to that amount is customary.
Always tell the full amount you want to pay, including tip, before you pay. In Germany you should not leave change or the tip amount on the table. Ask for your bill, “Die Rechnung, bitte” (dee rêH-nûngk, bî-te) and the waiter will hand it to you or tell you how much you owe. You should then tell him how much you would like to pay upfront.
For example, if your total comes to €8.40 and you would like to leave a tip – you would hand your waiter €9 or €10 and say “Stimmt so” (‘keep the change’, ‘it is right’) to settle your bill with tip. If you would like change, but also wanted to leave a tip on a €8.40 bill –hand your waiter €10 and say “9 euros” to receive €1 change.
With this more direct form of tipping etiquette there may be an awkward silence while your waiter is providing change if the service was, in your opinion, not the best and you decide not to tip.
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Germany, most stores and restaurants still settle in cash. It is best to ask in advance or look for credit card logos before you order.
Most restaurant items in Germany are a la carte. Tap water is not common, and is not free. You will almost always be given Mineralwasser (sparkling mineral water) if you ask for water. Fresh bread may be at your table to enjoy before your meal. Enjoy it, but they are not included in the cost of your meal so you will be charged accordingly. Guten Appetit!
It is customary to tip for good service in German hotels. Standard amounts include 1-3 euros for porters, 3-5 euros per night for housekeeping, and up to 10-20 euros for an attentive concierge.
For taxis in Germany you can round up to the nearest euro, a little more for exceptional service or longer rides. For spa services, 5% or 1-2 euros is common. If there is an attendant in a public restroom, leave 25-50 cents.
How to Tip in The Netherlands
In The Netherlands, also referred to as Holland, Value Added Tax and service charges are included in your check in hotels, restaurants, shops and taxi fares. Tips for extra service are always appreciated but not required.
If at a sit-down restaurant, leaving a 5-10% tip on the table is common. Bars it is not expected but not uncommon. You may round up to the next euro – saving the bartender time not having to make change. If a larger bill or party, you may leave a higher tip.
Taxi drivers, hairdressers and barbers have inclusive service charges. However, if for particularly great service you may give a small tip of 5% or 1-2 euros. At hotels in the Netherlands, you may tip your porter or doorman €0.5-€1.00 tip per bag. Many public restrooms have an attendant who is usually tipped €0.50.
The best way to alleviate any concern about tipping in a foreign country is to ask. You can ask your ship’s Guest Services desk, hotel concierge, tour guide or the local tourism office. Exorbitant tipping isn’t mandatory, but any small token of gratitude is appreciated.
